Stay at an oceanfront resort in Virginia Beach and you’ll experience, up close, the city’s 28 miles of sandy beaches and all the activities that come with it. If you long for more than just an afternoon of sunbathing and swimming, check out the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a three-mile paved pathway lined with upscale restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops and sprawling green parkways. The boardwalk also has a separate section for inline skating and biking, complete with nearby vendors who rent out such equipment. After a long day in the sun, kick back at one of the four beachfront parks that host free nightly concerts during the summer.

South Bound

On the south end of Atlantic Avenue, the oceanfront region’s main thoroughfare, you’ll find Beach Quarters Resort. The all-oceanfront-suites hotel provides a host of activities for kids, a game room filled with board and video games. The activities center also hosts a supervised movie night and pizza lunch. Adults can retreat to the seventh-floor pool deck and tennis courts while taking in sweeping views of the water. Barclay Towers Resort Hotel has an array of perks, include ocean views in every suite. Guest rooms also have fully-equipped kitchens with microwaves, stoves, refrigerators and dinnerware for four. Free continental breakfast is served in the morning. Afterwards you can soak in the hot tub while gazing out over the ocean.

Fishing Fun

Breakers Resort Inn and Boardwalk Resort Hotel and Villas are just a couple of blocks from the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, which includes a gift shop, a seafood restaurant and opportunities for fishing. Enjoy a romantic stay with your sweetie at Breakers Resort Inn by booking the honeymoon and anniversary package. Special amenities include an oceanfront room with a private balcony and two-person whirlpool tub, daily breakfast and a bottle of champagne at check-in. You can also rent a bike, free of charge, from the front desk, and take a romantic ride along the boardwalk. Boardwalk Resort Hotel and Villas provides a laid-back setting. Retreat to the indoor pool and relax on the rocking deck chairs. You can unwind in your in-room whirlpool tub or take in the view of the Atlantic from your private balcony. Walk to neighboring 17th Street Park and take in one of the many outdoor concerts, plays or movies held in the park throughout the year.

Fast Exit

The Capes Hotel is just a few blocks from Interstate 264, the expressway that brings travelers right into the city. In spite of its bustling location, the hotel provides a romantic setting, complete with in-room whirlpool tubs and private balcony with ocean views. You can also head to the oceanfront cafe where you can dine outdoors, just steps from the water. Enjoy a late-night dip with your honey in the heated outdoor swimming pool.

North Atlantic

At the north end of Atlantic Avenue is the Ocean Beach Club Resort. Catering to guests of all ages, the resort has three swimming pools, including a kiddie pool and a luxurious indoor pool with an elegant waterfall. Kids can spend the day in the lobby’s game center, stocked with board games, arcade games and toys. Adults can enjoy a workout in the 17th-floor fitness center with ocean views or a poolside cocktail at the Tortugas Cafe and Tiki Bar. Directly next door, Oceanaire Resort Hotel provides a host of accommodations, including one- to three-bedroom suites with fully-equipped kitchens. As a guest of the resort, you have access to all of the Ocean Beach Club Resort’s amenities. Combined, the resorts have four oceanfront pools between them, including Oceanaire’s adults-only indoor infinity pool and bar. Adults can also grab a drink at the lobby’s Ultra Martini Lounge.

Off the Beaten Path

Move away from the city center and stay at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center. Located along the Chesapeake Bay, the resort has nearly 300 suites with water views. The hotel provides many perks, including its own private beach and access to the nearby Virginia Beach Tennis Club, complete with 36 courts. After a day of play, relax on the outdoor patio at the hotel's Bayfront Trade Winds Restaurant. The waterfront restaurant serves Sunday brunch as well.

Resources

About the Author

A travel writer since 2002, Leah Rendon has written countless articles for online pop-culture magazines and various travel-related websites, including Eurobooking and World66. Gosford also has experience in copywriting, having developed a series of articles related to network marketing. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in theater arts.